Del Mar will conduct 11-race programs on Saturday and Sunday, and is considering having an 11-race program on Monday, according to the track’s director of racing, Tom Robbins.

In past years, the track has scheduled 10-race programs on Labor Day weekend and on closing day. Robbins said the plan remains for 10 races on Wednesday.

This weekend, there has been widespread demand among owners and trainers to start horses in the closing days. Thursday’s program was expanded by one race, to nine races.

Saturday’s program drew 121 horses, but will have a maximum of 108 runners since 13 horses are on also-eligible lists in six races. The actual numbers of starters is expected to be less because of late scratches.

Through Wednesday, the current meeting has averaged 8.52 starters per race compared with 8.23 for a similar period in 2011. The entire 2011 meeting averaged 8.35 runners per race.